Main menu

Post navigation

Blueberries, The Antioxidant Powerhouse

I need to eat more blueberries.

The thing is that unless they are in season I don’t think about buying them. I’m not a fan of eating blueberries that have been traveling for weeks from some far away country. They’re already dead once they get here. Dead blueberries don’t exactly light my fire. Good news: berries are in season! To often I forget that I can still buy organic frozen ones, if fresh are not up to my standard. Frozen is always the best alternative to fresh. No excuses. Blueberries should be eaten as much as possible. And they should always be bought organic. Everything should always be bought organic. Truly organic. There are a few exceptions to the rule, of course.

Most experts, in the health field will tell you that blueberries are one of, if not, the healthiest foods you can eat. I agree. They are nutritional/antioxidant powerhouses.

The first quality of the blueberry that I would like to highlight is their fiber content. Fiber is a love of mine. I’m big into digestive health. Fiber and digestive health go hand in hand. Blues are rich in pectin, which is a soluble fiber, and the tannins in blues reduce inflammation in your digestive system. Yes, I have shortened blueberries to blues. I was starting to feel to redundant. Somehow, blue, seems easier to digest. No pun intended. They also contain polyphenols, which have been noted for their antibacterial properties. And you want to keep your body as bacteria free as possible. Bad bacteria, that is. Probiotics equals good bacteria, and you want them. Probiotics will be a “piece” coming soon. I have a pretty serious infatuation with probiotics too, also linked to my “big into digestive health” bit.

Besides delicious, glorious fiber, blues are terrific for SO many other reasons. I could write a very long piece on why they are so great but I’m gonna do my best to keep it short and simple for you, and just ask for your trust. With that said I will note some of the key words I want for you to think when blues cross your mind, or mouth: ANTIOXIDANTS, ANTI AGING, CANCER SLAYERS. If I didn’t list any others, these three qualities would be reason enough to eat them. Blues have an extraordinary antioxidant content, which corresponds directly with their relationship to anti aging and fighting cancer. Remember antioxidants? They came up in the “Watermelon” piece, last week. They are the soldiers who slay free radicals; the rascals who try to attack our healthy cells. Blues; Another free radical murder weapon.

All together now… “Thaaaaaaank yooooooou”.

Back to the key words: Fiber, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, manganese, magnesium, iron, riboflavin, niacin, phytoestrogens, polyphenols, salicylic acid, and carotenoids. If you are not familiar with the benefits of any of the nutrients just written, I encourage you to do a little research, or reach out to me – I am more than happy to enlighten you.

Trust me, eat blueberries. Or any of the other family members, as often as you are able. And when you are SOOO super healthy and slaying free radicals like a mad man, please don’t expose me as the one who shared all this blueberry talk. I’d rather keep murder accessory off my resume.